40154 Main Street
Open on Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Built in the 1790s on land subdivided by Joseph Janney, whose family founded Waterford in 1733, this two-story log home reflects the post-Revolutionary growth of the village. Originally a one-and-a-half-story hewn log structure over a stone ground floor, it was soon raised to a full two stories. Though made of logs, the house was never intended as a rustic cabin; clapboard siding gave it a more refined appearance, in keeping with regional building trends.
A narrow two-room wing was added around 1835, likely as a separate dwelling. Early construction methods are evident throughout, from pegged rafter joinery to steep, space-saving staircases. The home offers a rare look at vernacular architecture adapted to meet the evolving needs of a growing commercial town.
The Joseph Janney House is open through the courtesy of owners The Samide Family.